The Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Katsina, says it has received about N1 billion in funding to set up petroleum technology and chemical engineering programmes.

The institution’s rector, Ibrahim Mudi-Kurfi, said this in an interview on Wednesday in Katsina.

“TETFund granted special intervention of about N1 billion to the institution, which will be used in equipping the laboratories and the two departments,” added Mr Mudi-Kurfi.

He explained that construction had reached an advanced stage, adding that the two programmes would commence during the 2023 academic session.

“As soon as the construction is over, we will invite the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to inspect and ensure that things are in order,” added the rector. “I believe they will allow us to start the programmes because they are offered only in two institutions in the North-West institutions.”

The rector disclosed that the NBTE accredited about 40 National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes run by the polytechnic.

Mr Mudi-Kurfi also mentioned that the NBTE, on November 9, conducted an accreditation assessment of eight other programmes.

The programmes included ND Environmental Health Technology, Pharmaceutical Technology, Survey and Geo-informatics and Mechanical Engineering Technology. Others are HND Science Laboratory with Chemistry option, Science Laboratory with Microbiology option, HND Civil Engineering, and HND Mechanical Engineering with Production option.

“We hope NBTE will grant permission to the polytechnic to run the programmes,” he added. 

(NAN)